Balance of Power: Guardians, #5

By Damien Benoit-Ledoux

In a world on the brink, where darkness threatens to swallow light whole, one hero stands against the tide.

The Order, relentless in their quest for domination, has unveiled Nightmare, a villain of unparalleled power and cruelty. With Quinn's family and boyfriend vanished, the battle against The Order transforms from a fight for justice into a desperate struggle for the lives of those he holds dear. Yet, despite the chaos, Quinn perceives the truth: Nightmare's fury is driven by a vendetta deeply intertwined with his own destiny.

 

Now, more than ever, the stakes are a matter of life and death. As Blue Spekter, Quinn devises a daring strategy, teetering on the edge of madness and genius. It's a plan fraught with risks, but it's the only way to avert total annihilation. The clock ticks down to a showdown where the balance of power will be irrevocably shifted.

Balance of Power marks the epic conclusion of The Guardian Series, catapulting readers into the heart of a final battle that will determine the fate of the Spekter Superhero Universe. This climactic installment promises to tie together the threads of adventure, sacrifice, and heroism that fans have come to cherish.

Will Quinn's gambit against Nightmare and The Order save the world, or will it lead to his downfall? As the saga draws to a close, every moment counts in this thrilling race against time.

 

Dive into the ultimate confrontation. Seize your copy and witness the resolution of a universe where the line between hero and villain is forever blurred. The finale awaits—embrace it with an open heart and a ready spirit.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Purple Spekter™ LLP Press
• Release date: Aug 6, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393757283

Damien Benoit-Ledoux

Damien Benoit-Ledoux is an author and freelance editor. His mind is a magical and nerdy place where fantastic heroes defend amazing worlds from dangerous villains who run amuck in an epic struggle to take over the universe. Recently, the brightest and best from this colorful cast of characters have made their way into notes, plots, stories, and novels for you to read and enjoy. Damien strongly believes the real world we live in should be a place where LGBTQ equality and respect are second nature and never questioned. When he's not working or spending time with his husband, their son, and their dog, Damien weaves this philosophy into the exciting lives of his characters and the fantastic space battles and romances they endure so they'll stop taking over his dreams at night. And finally, he wants you to remember a very important thing: No matter how bad your day is at work, it’s always important to be grateful that you don’t work for a Sith Lord.

Book preview

Balance of Power

Guardians Book 5

Damien Benoit-Ledoux

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DBL Books / Purple Spekter™ LLP | Press

BALANCE OF POWER | The Guardians Series | Part of the Spekter Superhero Universe™

Copyright © 2018 Damien Benoit-Ledoux of Purple Spekter™ LLP | Press

All rights reserved. No part of this may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior consent of the Author, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.

Work of Fiction

This story is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Editions

Paperback

2.1 | November 30, 2020 | Updated Cover

2.0 | June 5, 2020 | Professional Edits

1.0 | April 12, 2019 | Paperback Publication

eBook

2.1 | November 30, 2020 | Updated Cover

2.0 | June 5, 2020 | Professional Edits

1.0 | December 1, 2018 | eBook Launch

Contents

Dedication

Author’s Notes

1. A Morbid Christmas

2. We're Not Done Yet

3. A Much-Needed Distraction

4. Surprise, Sucker

5. Fear of the Unknown

6. Resolved Interference

7. Respite

8. Blue Spekter Strikes Back

9. The Penalty for Treachery Is Death

10. The Secret of Hangar 227

11. Rise and Shine

12. Reunions

13. First Night

14. Waiting Game

15. Misdirections

16. Lower the Gauntlet

17. Northbound

18. Welcome to Nightmare's Playground

19. Changing the Plan

20. Bamboozled

21. The Trickster’s Improvisation

22. Can’t Read My Poker Face

23. The Beginning of the End

24. Nightmare’s Triumph

25. Endurance of Hope

26. Götterdämmerung

27. Decompression

28. Dawn of the Superhero Age

29. Sighs of Relief

30. The New Normal

Epilogue

Before you go…

Buy Direct

Online Bonus Content

Acknowledgements

About the Author

Book 5: Balance of Power is dedicated to my amazing husband Tim who put up with countless hours of writing as I embarked upon the ambitious and crazy journey to publish five superhero books in one year. After publishing book three, we adopted our beautiful newborn son, and despite the wonderful and irreversible changes to our lifestyle, you put up with me as I poured my heart and soul into the final chapters of the series and allowed me to finish strong.

I love you, through all of time and space…

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The Guardians series is dedicated to all LGBTQ youth and young adults everywhere who have struggled to love themselves or struggle to love themselves today.

Author’s Notes

On Chronology

I believe you may be accustomed to reading the chapters of a book in order with the expectation that each chapter chronologically moves the story forward toward its climax and resolution. That being said: most of the time, Quinn's and Blake’s story lines run in parallel chronology, but occasionally, a subchapter may take place at a different point in time. When it matters, I’ve been explicit about it. Otherwise, it doesn’t matter.

On the Guardians Series Novels and Cliffhangers

Although this book has an ending, it is part of a larger work and isn’t meant to stand alone. Thus, I’ve decided the book has a sufficient ending many would consider a cliffhanger ending.

To be more unclear: My writing style is inspired by the J. R. R. Tolkien sense of a book series. The primary books are not separate books only related by a series or collection, but rather the characters and stories in each book are part of a larger story that spans several novels.

On Making these Superheroes More Enjoyable

Let's be honest for a moment: extra stuff can be cool. That's why I created free bonus content for you to enjoy on my Web site about the Guardians series. It contains additional details about characters (spoiler free) and the unique places Quinn and Blake visit, such as the Orgonon Reactor Core. You can access it here: worldanvil.com/w/the-spekter-superhero-universe-damientronus

Chapter 1

A Morbid Christmas

Quinn

Christmas had come and gone, but the holidays were anything but joyful. Quinn feigned happiness around his extended family, but everyone sensed something was wrong. Since his extended family didn’t know about Quinn’s and Blake’s alter egos, they poured salt on his emotional wounds when they openly discussed the superpowered spectacle Portsmouth had been experiencing over the past few months. They unabashedly shared their opinions, both for and against Blue Spekter. Even though Keegan joined the family for Christmas dinner, his family noticed Blake’s absence and peppered Quinn with questions about his missing best friend. Blake had been an honorary family member since seventh grade because his parents usually drank themselves into merry oblivion by noon.

When he spent time with his closest friends—Ravone, Loren, and his boyfriend Keegan—during their vacation, each day felt like a depressing, unending wake leading to a funeral that would never happen because the government still had Blake’s body.

You guys seriously need to go outside and do something, Daddio said, marching into the kitchen seconds before the oven timer beeped. The four teens sat around the kitchen table, half-interested in a game of Scrabble that seemed destined to remain unfinished.

It’s just not fair, Ravone said.

Why’s that? Daddio asked, pulling another batch of chocolate chip cookies from the oven.

Because it’s like we have unfinished business looming over our heads, she replied.

I’m not sure I understand, Daddio said, placing the cookie tray on the granite counter.

When people die, we get to visit their families and say goodbye. We don’t get that with Blake because he’s—

Government property, Quinn interjected.

Exactly. What gives them the right to do that?

Daddio nodded. I wish I had an answer for you, Ravone. I’m proud of you for wanting to do something for Blake despite what he did to you.

She shrugged. Just because he pissed me off doesn’t mean I want him dead. I want closure.

If closure is what you need, you should plan your own goodbye or funeral service for Blake.

We can do that? Ravone asked.

Daddio looked at the four teenagers and shrugged. Why not? You can’t tell anyone else about it, of course. It should be a private event for you guys to say goodbye. Tim and I would be happy to attend if you would like us to.

Where would we do it? Loren asked. It’s not like we can go to a cemetery or the museum and fake-bury someone.

Mausoleum, Daddio said.

Loren looked at him with a confused expression.

Daddio smiled. The place where remains are kept when they’re not buried is called a mausoleum, not a museum.

Oh, right. Unless you’re a dinosaur, Loren fired back, winking.

Daddio chuckled and brought a plate of cookies to the table. Touché. The cookies are hot, so be careful.

I’m gonna be so fat when I leave here, Ravone chimed in, reaching for the plate. "But that’s a snackrifice I’m willing to make."

Quinn smirked and winked at Keegan, who smiled back at him.

Quinn, what do you think about doing a funeral for Blake? Keegan asked. The girls and Daddio looked at him.

I just wish I knew for sure if he was dead.

What does that even mean? Ravone asked, her voice filling with emotion. You said that Victor crazy-guy ripped his heart out of his chest. How is he not dead?

Yeah, but…superpowers. We heal from most everything. I mean, Blake impaled me with rebar, and I healed once the rebar was pulled out.

That’s insane, Keegan said, shaking his head incredulously.

Why don’t you go check him out, then? Ravone asked.

Quinn shook his head. I know the military and the DHS took over the prison buildings, but I haven’t been able to go back yet. It’s too soon since Blake’s…it’s too raw. He choked down emotions and cleared his throat.

It snowed. That means the grounds are covered up. You wouldn’t see the battle scars right now, Daddio offered.

So, is that like your new superhero headquarters now? Loren asked.

What do you mean?

Well, you said your team was meeting in a hotel conference room. It would be so much cooler to have your Batcave in the naval prison.

Quinn chuckled. Yeah, with all my new government friends to watch over my back.

Is that such a bad thing? You’re not even seventeen yet, Daddio said.

I will be in a month! Quinn replied.

True, but I know Dad and I would feel safer knowing someone was with you. Working with the DHS on the island or wherever you guys meet is a good thing.

I have my team, Quinn protested. They’re all I need.

But half your team is military, or have you forgotten that Captain Prett and his computer nerds work for the government?

You need a team name, Ravone said. One that applies specifically to the people you trust and one the public can trust.

I have an idea about that.

Ooh, what is it? Keegan asked.

You guys are gonna think it’s lame, Quinn replied, blushing.

No, we won’t, we promise, Keegan replied, smiling.

T.P.P., Quinn said.

His friends stared at him quietly, and Daddio’s eyes shifted to Quinn’s Scrabble tray.

Did you just pick random letters off your game tray? Daddio asked.

Daddio! Quinn exclaimed, covering his tray with his arms.

What? It’s not like this game is going anywhere fast.

Keegan cleared his throat. Um, what does T.P.P. mean?

Quinn shrugged. The Portsmouth Protectors.

Loren rolled her eyes and Ravone shook her head. You’re right, that’s lame no matter how you slice it.

It’s, um…cute, Keegan said, half smiling in support.

I know it’s a terrible name, Quinn said. Nothing seems as exciting as it was without Blake.

Keegan smiled, reached across the table, and took Quinn’s hand in his. I know it sucks, babe, but we’re right here. Don’t forget about the people who have surrounded you with love.

Yeah, Loren said.

Ditto that, Ravone added.

Okay, Daddio said, clapping his hands. Enough is enough. You’ve been sulking in my kitchen all afternoon…all week, for that matter. Either go outside and build a snow fort or go watch a movie.

We’re too old to build snow forts, Mr. McAlester, Ravone said.

Daddio smirked. You are never too old for snow forts, he said, a whimsical smile dancing on his face. You are, however, too young to realize that.

Ravone smiled. Touché.

Come on, let’s go into the living room and plan a fitting farewell for Blake, Loren said.

Good idea, Ravone said. They picked up their snacks and made their way to the living room.

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Later that evening, after his friends and boyfriend had gone home, Quinn meandered into the kitchen looking for something to snack on. The Scrabble board was still on the table, and Quinn realized his dads hadn’t picked it up—probably as a reminder for him to pick up his own things.

He walked over to the board and reached for the corner, ready to flip the letters into the center so he could stuff them into the bag. He paused, noticing the game had been reset with new words on the board.

Maybe my dads are playing a game?

He studied the words for a moment, then rotated the board and smiled. One of his dads had spelled out We love you Blue Spekter in Scrabble letters and set them near the star in the center of the board. Then, two rows down, two words caught his eyes: The Guardians. It was the name his fathers had discussed with him before, but he hadn’t given it a second thought.

That’s it, then.

He smiled, accepting the name fate had bestowed upon his team.

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The next morning, Quinn found the courage to put on his Blue Spekter suit and return to the naval prison. While he was there, he met up with Captain David Prett and his team—Trinity, Goodbutt, and Tara—and learned what they had accomplished since taking over the facility.

We were able to download a ton of data from a private network before Dark Flame cut the hard lines. Unfortunately, most of the data is an obfuscated mess and uses some unique fractal encryption sequences we haven’t cracked yet, David said, gesturing toward his technology trio as they studied and discussed virtual piles of digital data at their workstations. Like the Department of Homeland Security groups, they had moved into the operations room of the naval prison after Blue Spekter and the marines successfully commandeered the buildings from The Order. So, most of the data is unreadable, but not all of it.

Were you able to find other reactor cores? Quinn asked, looking at a wall map of New England with colored pushpins in it.

David nodded. Sort of. We found a list of facilities and marked their locations on the wall map, as you can see. However, we haven’t been able to figure out how they identify which facilities are which.

What do you mean?

Well, look here. David pointed at the map, specifically at two blue thumbtacks inserted at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and Rangeley, Maine. These two blue markers indicate where we know there is a reactor core. But there’s nothing in the data we can read that indicates those locations host reactor cores. A few reconnaissance teams physically checked out a few other nearby sites, but we couldn’t find any hints or signs of a reactor core. I’m waiting for a report from Berlin, New Hampshire, which should be coming in any moment. The location is designated simply as Androscoggin.

Will your recon teams be able to confirm if there’s a reactor core on-site? I assume these facilities are heavily guarded or camouflaged—or both.

David smiled and gestured around him. We’re in one of the biggest reactor core facilities right now. It didn’t take Tara long to build a rudimentary orgone detection script the military satellites can use. We also retrofitted some scanning tech for the recon teams to work with. In theory, they only have to get close enough to determine if there is a quantity of stored orgone on the premises.

Wow.

We also studied the classified satellite imagery over this island and Rangeley. Large quantities of orgone have a unique thermal signature that registers on infrared scans, but you have to be looking for it to see it. Tara’s script can’t automatically locate reactor cores right now, because it’s like looking for a needle in a haystack. If the reactor core is underground as with Rangeley, its energy and temperature signatures are naturally cloaked by the geothermal readings around it, unlike Seavey Island. The cold river makes the prison light up like a Christmas tree.

Quinn chuckled, then David continued. Right now, the orgone signature is generally not distinct enough to be noticed by the untrained eye, and frankly, we all have untrained eyes when it comes to spotting orgone energy thermal signatures.

I can’t get over the amount of progress you guys have made, especially over the holidays. Didn’t you go home?

David shook his head. No, and believe me, it’s been a source of angst for the entire team, but national—hell, global—security is more important than one missed holiday season.

Ah, Quinn said.

Are you okay? You seem…uh…distracted.

Um, yeah. While this is great and useful, and I don’t mean to dismiss it, I was really hoping to see Blake today. I need…closure.

I completely understand. Why don’t you go to the makeshift lab they set up? I think Ana María is in there with him.

Um, where is the lab? Although, I can sense where Ana María is at the moment….

I believe Ana María set it up on the lower level of the reactor core. Blake…well, his body…um, sorry…it’s there, too.

Thanks. Quinn made his way to the elevator on the far side of operations near the center of the building and pressed the call button. When the doors opened, he stepped through and immediately felt the concentrated orgone on the other side of the elevator’s rear doors. He pressed the rear door open button, and when the doors slid open, Ana María looked up at him and smiled.

I wondered when you’d come.

He approached the railing of the upper gangway ring, looked down, and observed the inside of the chamber. Ana María sat in a chair next to Blake, who was lying on his back on a gurney they had wheeled in from one of the other work spaces with only a towel draped over his groin. Someone had washed his skin and cleaned the dirt and dried blood. The gurney he rested on sat in the center of the metal disc in the floor of the chamber.

Astounded at what he saw, he covered his mouth with his hand and hesitated. Oh my gosh, his chest wound is gone!

Then he jumped over the railing and floated down to the side of Blake’s gurney. He pointed at Blake’s completely healed chest and stared at Ana María in disbelief.

She smiled. "I had a hunch that if we brought Blake’s broken body into the reactor chamber and reassembled it, his healing factor would trigger. The medics cleaned Blake’s heart and placed it inside his chest cavity. Though it didn’t happen right away, a few days later we noticed tissue growth and no decay. Two days after that, his body had completely healed. Today’s X-rays show his heart has been reintegrated into his cardiovascular, nervous, and muscular-skeletal systems.

So he’s alive? Quinn whispered.

Ana María shook her head. There’s no brain activity. So not yet.

But his chest is rising and falling, like he’s breathing. Quinn focused and listened with his super hearing. And I can hear his heartbeat.

You can, but it’s like he’s in a coma.

So, what you’re saying is— He stopped speaking, unwilling to finish the doomsday sentence.

Medically speaking, he’s dead. But who knows what could happen with the healing factor? It may be a matter of time. I won’t give up hope, and neither should you.

Can I…be alone with him?

Of course, Ana María said. One last lesson, though. While you’re in here, tune in to the ample orgone energy around you. You can summon it whether you’re in the chamber or in the park.

I’ll try, Quinn replied, fighting back tears.

Ana María knowingly nodded, levitated up and over the upper gangway railing, then walked through the elevator when the doors slid open for her.

Quinn pulled the chair closer to the gurney but remained standing, studying the healed skin over Blake’s pectoral and abdominal muscles where a gaping hole had wrecked his best friend’s chest a week or so ago.

I’m so sorry, Blake. I thought I could save you, he said, his voice choked with emotions as tears dripped from his cheeks. I thought I would be making the big sacrifice, but it turns out you saved me. You never did like to play by the rules. He chuckled, then a memory from his Superhero Responsibilities Manifesto conversation invaded his grief, and his eyes drifted to the hexagonal panels on the chamber’s walls.

Sacrifice, Ron St. Germain’s voice echoed in his head. Superheroes are often lonely, because once the bad guys figure out who’s important to you and who you love, they know how to emotionally manipulate and compromise you. You will have the added weight of being mindful for your dads’, Keegan’s, and your friends’ safety because Blake knows all your weaknesses. I’m willing to bet Victor does too.

Blake would never do that! Quinn had protested.

He turned on you, didn’t he?

Yeah.

Ron was right, but he didn’t know about the chip back then.

Victor said he knew my weakness…and so did Blake. I don’t seem to have a physical weakness…but if Victor has truly figured out my heart is my weakness, the people I love won’t be safe until he’s brought to justice. Blake knew it, and that’s why he went after Keegan. If Victor goes after Keegan—or my dads—or my friends—I don’t know if I could fight him. I couldn’t handle losing them…I’ve already lost Blake, and the pain is unbearable.

Quinn pulled his eyes from the distraction and looked at Blake’s relaxed face.

I’ve missed you so much, buddy, Quinn said, losing the stamina to stand. You’re the brother I never had. You’re my best friend, and I’m not giving up on you. I never will. Come back to me, please. Then he laid his head on his best friend’s torso and sobbed.

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Victor

Here are the test results you asked for, Hegumen, Arik said, extending an oversized manila envelope across Victor’s desk.

Victor took the envelope from the technician. Thank you, I will join you and Miguel in operations for the next set of tests shortly. That will be all.

Arik nodded and walked out of Victor’s office.

As the door slid shut behind him, Victor opened the large envelope and pulled out a series of developed fourteen-by-seventeen-inch X-rays. He pulled another set from a similar envelope in his desk drawer that had been taken prior to his orgone infusion. Then he held the matching X-ray images of his body parts up to the office lights and studied them. He was curious to learn if his bone density and the resulting super strength of his muscles would be reflected in his X-rays, but the only changes he noted during his comparison were minor and seemingly insignificant.

He set the X-rays of his skull next to one another and scrutinized them, but nothing appeared to be different. He frowned with frustration.

I really expected something new. I can’t understand why my physiology hasn’t changed. Maybe it’s too soon. I wish I had thought of doing this test with Blake. Then I would know if a physical change other than increased muscle mass takes place. Then again, it’s not like I’m an X-ray technician. Maybe I’m missing something completely. I feel different: bigger, stronger, more powerful… I must be missing something. Or perhaps the muscle structures don’t show up well in X-ray imaging.

Giving up, he set the X-rays down but paused when something on the new X-ray caught his eye.

What is that?

There was a small white speck in the center of his neck, just below his skull.

No…

He pulled the film closer and examined it, but it was too grainy to interpret correctly.

Are those serial numbers?

He hastily set the X-rays down, sat at his desk, and logged in to his computer. Moments later, he navigated through the medical records database and pulled up the high-resolution digital images of his X-rays. He navigated through the images and stopped on the corresponding X-ray of his skull. He clicked the mouse and zoomed in on the white speck and waited as the image auto-enhanced.

I don’t believe it.

He leaned forward and stared at a laser-engraved serial number in the middle of a small circular object no bigger than an aspirin pill. It had six small appendages that appeared to be latched onto what he assumed was his brainstem.

No! he shouted, slamming his fists on his desk. That bitch implanted me with a chip! He stood and angrily swiped a stack of papers, books, and an empty stainless-steel coffee mug from his desk. They fell to the floor, and he began pacing the length of his office.

She betrayed me!

She betrayed The Order!

How?

Why?

When?

It must have been when I was unconscious after I dosed myself with orgone…Dammit!

But…

The control chips all respond to me. They’re designed to follow my voice and my voice commands alone. To whom does this chip respond to? Does it respond to Dr. Madison, or is there another player at the table I failed to anticipate? Is one of the two surviving members of the Archimandrion Council quietly interfering with my plans? Do they know I’m behind their extermination?

He froze when he saw his reflected face in the glass of a picture frame on the wall. The mirror image of his face expressed sudden horror.

Am I even in control of my own actions at the moment?

He turned and marched toward his office door, deciding swift punishment for treachery would be the appropriate response. When he reached the door, it slid open for him, but he stopped.

Unless…

He backed away and walked over to his recliner. He sat down as the door slid shut and folded his hands in his lap.

Whoever implanted this chip didn’t expect me to discover its existence. If I react and lash out against the wrong people, someone might be inclined to turn the chip on and use it against me. Perhaps the wiser move is to play out this charade until I understand the new rules of the game better. Unfortunately, I can’t trust anyone with this information. I’ll have to figure out how to remove it on my own.

He returned to his desk and put all the X-rays back in their appropriate envelopes. Then he filed them in his desk for safekeeping. As his anger subsided, rational thought took hold of his mind.

That’s what I’ll do. As far as anyone is concerned, I saw nothing questionable in my X-rays. The only person who could have acted against me is Dr. Madison. When the time is right, I’ll deal with her treachery. For now, I need her to continue working on the new superhumans. But in the meantime, I better look for a suitable replacement.

Chapter 2

We're Not Done Yet

Quinn

Y ou’re sure that’s what you want? Ron asked, sipping his peppermint-flavored coffee as they gorged on seven-layer brownies at Popovers on the Square in Portsmouth. It was the middle of the afternoon, and they sat in a corner of the quaint, café-style restaurant.

Quinn nodded. Yes, it’s the only way to avenge—

Ron shook his head. To avenge is to inflict harm in return for an injury or a wrong done to oneself or another. That’s not what superheroes do, Quinn. Superheroes bring people to justice.

But the Avengers…avenge, he protested.

So, that’s not the best example when Marvel and DC Comics are delivering superhero comic-books-turned-action-movies to the populace. Ask yourself what Superman would do.

Quinn sighed. He’d fight for truth, justice, and the American way.

Fighting Victor is akin to Harry Potter battling Voldemort. Like Harry, you have a significantly powered enemy that everyone is now afraid of. He’s scheming and plotting in dark shadows to destroy you and take over the world or do something far more sinister.

Quinn giggled. Does that mean Ana María is Hermione Granger and you’re…Ron Weasley?

Ron laughed. I’ve been called worse.

Quinn became serious and tapped his right index finger on the tabletop as he spoke. We have to stop Victor. Ana María is committed to the fight now, and David’s techies have amassed information about The Order, not to mention several other secret facilities around here. It’s only a matter of time before we figure out which one Victor’s hiding in.

What about your latest discovery? Ron asked.

Uh…what? Quinn frowned, unsure of what his mentor was asking about.

Absalom Miller, Keegan’s grandfather. Didn’t you discover he’s one of the higher-ups in The Order’s hierarchy?

Yeah, he’s called an Archimanda or something like that. I guess Blake executed most of them but spared Absalom when he figured out he was related to Keegan. I’m still clueless on the details because Blake and I didn’t have the chance to talk about what went down.

What did Keegan tell you?

Apparently his grandparents left early the next morning, but he’s not really sure what happened between them and his parents because he only went home briefly to let them know I rescued him. Then there was a big fight between his parents and grandparents, so he went to my house and sat around worrying with my dads about whether or not I’d come home from fighting Blake. Little did they know Tasmanian showed up at the prison.

Tasmanian? Is that what you’re calling Victor now?

Yeah, Quinn replied, grinning. Do you get it?

I assume you named him after a Tasmanian Devil? Because he glows red or something?

Quinn chuckled. "No, I picked it because they get crazy when they become excited or angry, and Victor’s last name is Kraze, and he’s become a maniac. So, Tasmanian fits…get it?"

I do, Ron said, nodding.

Anyway, my point was, I don’t have a lot of information concerning Absalom’s involvement. I know Keegan has nothing to do with it, but I don’t want to drive an unnecessary wedge between us. I’d rather let the DHS inform Keegan of the connections between his grandfather and The Order. Besides, he already knows enough.

Very good, Quinn, I’m proud of you for thinking that one through.

Speaking of suits, I’m going to grab Blake’s supertights from the facility when no one’s looking. I was thinking your brother could study the material. I have no idea if they would be useful at all, but they seem pretty heat resistant.

Ron nodded. Yes, please do. I will have him look at the material. In other news, I asked Stephanie if she would take Ana María’s measurements at some point, so my brother could make her a suit as well.

Really? Quinn asked, surprised.

Yeah, if she’s serious about joining the battle now, she’s going to need more than jeans and a winter coat. From your battle with Vic…uh, Tasmanian and his super-thugs the other night, we know the current design will hold up to just about anything except Blake’s inferno.

Great. I can’t wait to see the final results.

Ron smiled and looked at Quinn with hesitation.

Quinn suspected something was up. Umm, is there something else you want to talk about?

His mentor nodded. The DHS has employed me as a subject matter expert.

Seriously? For what?

Comic-book super villains.

Quinn laughed, shaking his head. You’re kidding!

Ron smiled. Not at all. I’ve been working with their psychologists and writing up a profile for Victor and helping them analyze his behaviors and possible goals. If we can understand what makes him tick, there’s a possibility we can defeat him before he does something drastic.

That’s awesome.

You’re telling me. Who knew years of geekiness would pay off like this?

Are you getting paid?

No, but I’m honored to be involved. I expected they would cast me aside because I have no security clearances. I like to think they appreciate the wonderful job I did mentoring you, he quipped.

Quinn chuckled with him.

Ron continued. I suspect Agent Hartman decided I knew too much as a civilian, but he was smart enough to harness my knowledge for the greater good. For a man—especially a government official—to set aside his ego and accept the impossible or the bizarre as possibility…well, that’s freaking awesome to me.

Well, you are a founding member of the Guardians. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Just make sure I know what I need to know when I need it, okay?

Ron smiled and nodded. Absolutely, Quinn.

The two men clinked coffee mugs and sipped their beverages.

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Quinn walked into the Book & Bar café and lounge and spotted David in the back corner. Trinity, Tara, and Goodbutt occupied the tables around him to maintain a perimeter so other patrons wouldn’t sit too